Kelly's Community novel- Chapter 13 by Jill Barrett

Oh Lord!! What now? Madame Zola stamped her foot in consternation. They re all coming out of the woodwork.

Not only had she spied the woman approaching Constance s stall, she had spotted something even more sinister.

That slimy snake of a fellow, Alessandro, was leaning against a large scribbly gum, watching.

She sipped her latte and chewed determinedly on her pastry, not enjoying a bit of it. Sitting at the wooden table, she kept her head down.

Kath had not been a doting mother to Constance, who was born out of wedlock, as Kath consorted dangerously with the shady Jovanovich family. A basically selfish woman, she had not objected too strongly when Johnson had suggested both Constance and the boy Alessandro be fostered out for their safety. If Kath was here, Madame Zola had a sinking feeling that Johnson was in the vicinity somewhere. But where?

Did she blame Johnson? You bet she did!! It was his own stupid fault for getting mixed up with that siren, Luciana, and her family. Johnson had found her totally irresistible, as lust blinded him.

She frowned as she pondered the man claiming to be Constance s father. She did not recognise him, but Constance had told her of the dragonhead tattoo. Johnson had the same one the Tiamat something to do with Luciana s family.

What could she do? Rush in and make a scene when she did not understand totally all the facts that had brought this sinister gathering to the Eumundi markets?

Her real concern was Alessandro. Had he followed the man? Had he followed Constance?

Little did she know it, but he had actually followed her!

Clever move, that, Alessandro smirked to himself.

Watch and wait.

No point in declaring his hand too soon. His biggest concern was the presence of the couple at Constance s stall. Obviously there was something of note going on there, but his aim was to get the girl by herself.

Dad? exclaimed Kath as she stared at the man who had blanched and backed away. I think not. Indeed, I know not.

There must be some mistake, the man grimaced. This is Constance, my daughter.

Kath laughed one of her big, bellowing guffaws. Well, let me tell you. I have never stooped so low as to have been married to you, nor even a tumble in the hay!!

Constance looked from one to the other. She had seen Kath as some sort of saviour, fully expecting her to verify the man s plausible claims.

Hello, Alessandro.

Alessandro whipped around. He had been unaware of the approach of the man who now stood very still but three feet behind him.

Remember me? Maybe not?

He was a mess - face battered and bruised.

Much older now, yet he was unmistakable - he who had saved him from the boat explosion and had then abandoned him. The long-held hatred burned fiercely as he surveyed him.

You!!! Scumbag!!

Come with me. We need to talk, Alessandro.

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Can someone tell me if Constance is Luciana or Kath's daughter or is it still a mystery?